'anodendron' originates from New Latin, formed from Greek elements, specifically from Greek 'anō' meaning 'up, above' and 'dendron' meaning 'tree'.

'anodendron' was coined in modern botanical Latin (New Latin) as a genus name based on Greek elements; it did not pass through medieval English forms but was established in scientific Latin nomenclature.

Initially formed to describe a plant habit meaning 'up-tree' or 'growing on/above trees' (reflecting climbing or arboreal habit); over time it has been retained as a formal genus name without change in taxonomic usage.